The EU is probing tech giants Google, Apple, and Meta for potential breaches of a new law meant to make the digital marketplace fairer. The investigation centers on how these companies steer users towards their own services within their app stores and search engines, and how Meta gives users the choice between privacy or paying for ad-free service. This probe could lead to fines or changes in how these companies operate, and has already sparked concerns for their investors and international implications.
Visa and Mastercard have agreed to pay $30 billion to settle a lawsuit where merchants accused them of charging excessive fees. These fees, known as "swipe fees," are paid by merchants every time a customer uses a credit or debit card. The settlement will reduce these fees for merchants, which may lead to lower prices for consumers.
Apple faces antitrust lawsuits and investigations over its alleged monopoly in the smartphone market and App Store practices. Despite these challenges, Apple's core business is strong, driven by the growing iPhone franchise and services revenue. New product launches are expected to boost growth, while potential partnerships with companies like Google may drive innovation in areas like artificial intelligence.
The National Association of Realtors has eliminated rules on commission rates, allowing for more flexibility in negotiations between agents and clients. This change comes in response to lawsuits and aims to provide more options for buyers and sellers. While some agents express concerns, buyers may benefit from potentially lower fees and increased opportunities in the competitive housing market. The full impact on home prices and the industry remains to be determined.
